“The Ministry of Transport is pushing ahead with a strategic 27-billion-baht ($750 million) dual-track railway line connecting Chumphon to Ranong Port, aiming to link Thailand’s primary national rail system with a deep-sea port on the Andaman coast for the first time.”
“The project encompasses a 110-kilometre stretch designed to create a seamless multimodal transport network integrating roads, railways, ports, airports, and border crossings.”
“Although relatively short compared to trunk lines across the country, the Chumphon–Ranong line is positioned as a pivotal land bridge. Once operational, freight originating from northern, north-eastern, central, and southern agricultural and industrial zones can travel directly by rail to Ranong Port without requiring road transfers for the final leg.”
“The route will provide Thailand with dual-coast maritime access. While existing rail infrastructure connects to Gulf of Thailand hubs—including Laem Chabang, Bangkok, and Map Ta Phut—the new line establishes direct access to the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean.”
“This connection is expected to facilitate trade with Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member states, as well as expanding markets across the Middle East and Africa.”